Wonderif prices will drift down - price up nod then have a biggerrebate?

That's what I was thinking - seems to be their strategy lately to raise prices then announce a rebate that erases the difference. Like the perpetual sales JC Penney used to run in the USA to snag the uninformed.

I still can't believe they don't include lens hoods with non-L glass. However, this policy seems right in line with their sensor prowess these days.

I'm not sure what one has to do with the other, but I agree that it's annoying that they don't include the hood with all lenses in some markets (in many Asian markets, hood and pouch are included with all lenses).

Minor point: at least one non-L lens includes the hood and pouch - the EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM. Of course, not having to buy the hood separately doesn't make the lens any less overpriced for what you get.

I'm glad to see the 35mm f/2 IS at that price. That is getting down to a more reasonable level for it and might help it sell more copies as it creates some separation in price from the Sigma 1.4

I agree, except I just pulled the trigger on the Sigma. Oh well, it's a spectacular lens so I just won't think about the extra $190

Probably a fair differential considering Canon doesn't include a hood ($50?!?) and there's a 1-stop difference in max aperture and better corners on the Sigma.

True enough. The two things that might move me towards the Canon now are 1) Size (I already have the wonderful Tamron 24-70 for most of the things that I do at that focal length) and 2) IS. This would be a fab video lens on either my 6Ds or the M, and IS is a must for that.

I'm glad to see the 35mm f/2 IS at that price. That is getting down to a more reasonable level for it and might help it sell more copies as it creates some separation in price from the Sigma 1.4

I'm going to be pulling the trigger on the 35/2 IS as soon as my fun money account is replenished after having just finished summer travels. That's a lens I've been looking forward to buy since it was announced but I have been waiting for this price drop.